TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the submittal of an Assistance to Firefighters Grant application for the Killeen Fire Department.
SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application for Killeen Fire Department operations and safety equipment
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
Fire
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Assistance to Firefighting Grant (AFG) program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Grant Programs Directorate (GPD), is a competitive grant program that was created to provide funding directly to fire departments for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience. Eligible applicants for AFG include Fire Departments, Nonaffiliated EMS organizations, and State Fire Training Academies operating in any of the 50 states and territories. A total of $306.0 million has been appropriated for the 2015 AFG program with a projected number of awards to be 2,500.
The City of Killeen Fire Department is eligible to apply for the AFG funding under the following three areas of activities: Operations and Safety, Vehicle Acquisition and Regional Projects. The Killeen Fire Department will apply for two (2) AeroClave Decontamination Systems, replacement radios with accessories, a MagneGrip Exhaust Removal System and replacement SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) equipment, all of which falls under the Operations and Safety section. The primary goal of the AFG is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. The maximum award for the 2015 AFG is no more than $2 million based on the population of the jurisdiction served by the recipient.
Grantees are required to have non-federal funds available in an amount equal to and not less than 10 percent of the grant awarded. The total cost of all equipment to be applied for on the AFG application is $1,936,168. If selected for the AFG award, grantees will be required to adhere to all terms and conditions of the award.
The deadline for the receipt of the AFG applications is 5:00 p.m. eastern daylight time on January 15, 2016. The department of Homeland Security will begin award announcements in March 2016.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
The City of Killeen and Fire Department are in a rapid growth pattern, both in population and geographic area served. Along with this growth are National Fire Protection Standards (NFPA), National Radio Communication Standards (P-25), and Emergency Medical Standards that require upgraded equipment to be safe and compliant. By applying for replacement and new equipment, the Killeen Fire Department would meet any necessary regulated standards and stay up with technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of service to the citizens of Killeen while fulfilling the City’s 2030 vision plan. All four types of equipment mentioned in the background section to be applied for are categorized as high priority according to the AFG’s guidelines. The Assistance to Firefighting Grant (AFG) program requires cost share of non-federal funds in an amount equal to and not less than 10 percent of the grant awarded when serving a jurisdiction of more than 20,000 residents, but not more than 1,000,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of all equipment to be submitted on the 2015 AFG applications is $1,936,168. Based on this total, the cost share of non-federal funds in an amount equal to and not less than 10 percent would be $193,617.
Based on the above information, the following chart shows the cost breakdown for each area of activity to be applied for on the 2015 AFG and the 10 percent cost share the City would be responsible for.
|
Item |
Federal Share |
Local Share |
Total Cost |
|
AeroClave Decontamination Systems |
$29,187 |
$3,243 |
$32,430 |
|
Replacement Radios with Accessories |
$897,021 |
$99,669 |
$996,690 |
|
MagneGrip Exhaust Removal System |
$61,200 |
$6,800 |
$68,000 |
|
Replacement Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Equipment |
$755,143 |
$83,905 |
$839,048 |
|
TOTAL: |
$1,742,551 |
$193,617 |
$1,936,168 |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this resolution displaying its support for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant application, acknowledges its commitment under the grant agreements, and that appropriate financial support will be secured for the Killeen Fire Department’s cost-sharing obligations over the grant performance period.